Cello Lessons in West Village. Amazing Teachers.

The cello can be enjoyed by amateurs and aficionados alike, and Dr. Nathan Whittaker provides lessons to all age and skill levels, from the young to the not-so-young, from beginners to advanced, from the casual or curious to the fiercely serious. He has been teaching professionally for over 15 years.

A good teacher is one that enforces the basic foundations of technique. While any teacher can guide a student through vast amounts of repertoire, only the conscientious teacher prepares the student for all future endeavors and challenges. Nathan Whittaker's teaching philosophy consists of an unwavering understanding of technique, focusing on beauty of sound and elegance of expression. Scales and technical exercises coalesce with exciting repertoire to promote quick, yet thorough progress. After all, the cello is an extension of the soul – it is able to express what is otherwise untranslatable. But while the fundamentals are the foundation of all future success, beyond all else ...

In my lessons, my primary focus is helping students learn cello at their own pace, and developing their love and appreciation for music! Cello can be challenging, but anyone can learn with the right guidance! I have a conservatory training, and years of experience teaching people of all ages how to play. Students will learn technique, music reading, scales and arpeggios, and basic music theory in a comfortable and encouraging environment!

While I certainly place emphasis on technical work and mastery, I also want all students to feel comfortable in expressing their individual voice and interests. I believe that it is incredibly important to encourage students to explore a number of creative avenues within music. Therefore, I am very open to having students explore music outside the classical canon in addition to experimenting with improvisation and composition. An additional component of my teaching style is finding unique and interesting ways to keep students motivated and teaching them how to effectively practice and learn on their own.

Experienced Cello teacher of 5 years available for eager students of all experience levels and ages! I structure my lessons so students learn what they want to learn, while also building a strong foundation of music knowledge. I specialize Suzuki Method and Essential Elements books depending on the students needs. I push to evolve with each student and create a fun a positive environment in which to learn and I strive to help you meet your goals! I plan and offer yearly professional student shows and concerts to give each student a practical application to their studies.

I have taught cello for many years to different ages, needs, and goals in music, from enjoying music to prepare auditions and a professional career. I enjoy sharing my passion for cello playing. In addition to my teaching in private studio, public and private schools, colleges and universities, I’m a concert cellist with experience performing as soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player, I empathize with students problems to solve and the art of interpretation, living music to the highest levels , I was taught by great artists.

Pei-Jen Tseng began playing piano at the age of four, which then led to playing cello at the age of ten. After completing her Bachelor of Music degree in Cello performance from Taiwan, she moved to the U.S. to pursue her graduate studies from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music receiving a Music of Master degree in Cello performance. Ms. Tseng also holds a Professional Studies Diploma in Cello performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She has performed as an orchestral player and chamber musician throughout the years. As a chamber musician, Ms. Tseng believes that ensemble playing builds confidence, teamwork, and leadership abilities while developing every essential musical skill: sense of pitch, rhythm, and tone. These skills will cross over to every aspect of a student’s performing experience, making them a much better musician overall.

Ms. Tseng teaches the importance of fundamentals. This includes intonation, ear training, performance ...